How Much Horsepower Does a Cold Air Intake Add?

Cold air intakes are among the most popular performance upgrades for trucks. From their entry-level price point to ease of installation and potential for power, these upgrades often find their way into engine bays as the first (often, of many) underhood modifications. But just how much horsepower does a cold air intake add? 

As the nation’s largest manufacturer and retailer of aftermarket truck accessories, RealTruck understands the value of increased airflow. Read on to find out just how much power a cold air intake adds, on average, to a truck. 

Before we get into the effectiveness of a cold air intake, let’s first briefly cover what these accessories are and how they function. In the past, factory intake systems weren’t known for their efficiency. Long runs of narrow intake tubing, restrictive paper air filters, and smothering air boxes once plagued performance applications, robbing the engine of airflow and thus, horsepower.

​Aftermarket manufacturers identified opportunities to upgrade restrictive factory systems by retrofitting high-flow intake tubes and filters that boost airflow efficiency and power without sacrificing filtration. For a deeper look into intake system functions and types, consult our comprehensive guide.

In short, yes. Though the efficacy and specific gains vary widely depending on the type of vehicle, efficiency of the factory intake system, supporting modifications, and more.

When upgrading your air intake, you can expect a 5 to 15 horsepower increase, though this figure can vary depending on your make, model, engine size, and intake type. Different manufacturers—like S&B, K&N, and aFe—may also claim different gains. Fuel type and induction style also play a role, as diesel and forced-induction applications often see larger gains than naturally aspirated gasoline engines.

​This change is due to several factors, including the placement of the upgraded air intake. Cold air intakes relocate the system from its stock location, allowing it to draw denser, cooler air from near the fender well rather than warmer, thinner air above the engine, which improves combustion. Ram air intakes employ a large duct at the front of the engine bay to direct air into the system before it is heated by the engine.

​The intake tube is wider, too, allowing more air into the system and supporting unrestricted airflow.

​Finally, the air filters in upgraded air intake systems are usually larger than stock, allowing increased airflow. The materials used improve filtration, with greater advantages in cotton rather than paper and in oiled rather than dry.

Diesel engines, especially turbocharged models, typically achieve greater performance gains from aftermarket intakes than similar gasoline-powered engines. This difference is primarily due to forced induction, where intake air temperature and efficiency play a significant role in boost pressure and overall power.

​Whereas a naturally-aspirated, gas-powered application may see 5 to 15 horsepower gains from an intake, a turbodiesel may see a 25 to 30 horsepower increase with a similar system. Once again, this is a case-by-case comparison, as several modern intake systems can flow enough air to support North of 500 horsepower. Learn more about the differences between these two fuel types in our Diesel Vs. Gas Trucks guide. 

Virtually all vehicles, aside from EVs, are either naturally aspirated or feature forced-induction systems. The former refers to an engine that breathes air directly from an intake, while the latter utilizes “charged” air from either a supercharger or turbocharger.

​Turbocharged or supercharged applications typically see more significant gains from upgraded air intakes, while naturally-aspirated vehicles see the typical 5 to 15 horsepower jumps referenced earlier.

Q: Is a Cold Air Intake Worth It?

A: Yes. While these upgrades won’t deliver mind-blowing performance gains, they can produce noticeable gains, lower intake air temperatures, improve filtration, and enhance engine sound. Additionally, cold air intakes with reusable filters can significantly extend service life.

Q: How Much Horsepower Does a Cold Air Intake Add to a 5.0L F-150?

A: Expect gains of 5 to 15 horsepower due to the already efficient design of the 5.0L intake system—especially 2018+ models.

Q: How Much Horsepower Does a Cold Air Intake Add to a 5.7L HEMI Ram?

A: Gains on 5.7L HEMI platforms are typically slightly greater, averaging between 10 and 20 horsepower.

Q: How Much Horsepower Does a Cold Air Intake Add to a 5.3L Vortec Silverado 1500?

A: Horsepower gains for the 5.3L Vortec are also similar, averaging 5 to 15 horsepower without supporting modifications.

Q: Does a Cold Air Intake Increase Sound?

A: Yes. One of the additional benefits of a cold air intake is increased intake noise, as the wide-diameter, high-flow intake piping often produces a notably deeper growl upon acceleration.

Q: Do You Need a Tune for a Cold Air Intake?

A: In most cases, no. While some specific applications or accessories may recommend a tune to get the most out of the modification, most vehicles will run smoothly and efficiently, without a check-engine light, after installing a cold air intake.